UGC NET 2025 Preparation Tips: Check Toppers Strategy & Guide
University Grants Commission National Eligibility Test 2025 ( UGC NET )
Registration - 7 Oct '25 - 7 Nov '25
UGC NET Preparation 2025: The National Testing Agency (NTA) conducts the NTA NET exam twice a year in June and December. The authority will published the NET official notification PDF for the December session at ugcnet.nta.nic.in. Candidates preparing for the NTA UGC NET exam must go through the preparation tips to crack the exam with a good strategy and smart work. Those candidates who want to become an Assistant Professor and Junior Research Fellowships in Universities and colleges need to strategize their preparation.
To start the preparation for the exam, candidates must go through the UGC NET previous year questions and exam pattern to ensure maximum marks in the exam. Shiksha offers the top UGC NET preparation advice for 2025, which applicants need to strictly adhere to in order to pass the test.
- UGC NET Preparation Tips 2025
- UGC NET Subject Wise Preparation Tips 2025
- UGC NET Exam Analysis by Students
- Tips to Crack UGC NET Exam 2025
- UGC NET Preparation FAQs 2025
UGC NET Preparation Tips 2025
Given below are some essential points that candidates must keep in mind for the preparation of the exam
UGC NET Syllabus & Exam Pattern 2025
The first step towards effective exam preparation is being well-versed with the NTA NET exam pattern and syllabus. The exam comprises two Papers- Paper 1 and Paper 2. Candidates have to appear for both papers in a single duration of three hours. While Paper 1 contains questions that test the teaching and research aptitude of candidates, paper 2 consists of subject-specific questions. The syllabus makes you familiar with the important topics from which questions can be asked in the exam.
Check here the fundamentals of Sets, Probability, Game Theory, Sequence and Series, Differential Equations, Vector Algebra, Determinants, Mensuration, Relations and Functions, and Inverse Trigonometric Functions.
| Download UGC NET Syllabus 2025 |
UGC NET Books 2025
There are many books available in the market for preparation and it often becomes difficult to choose the right ones. Given below are important NTA UGC NET books for Paper 1 recommended by previous years’ toppers.
| UGC NET Paper 1 Books |
Authors |
|---|---|
| Trueman's UGC NET/SET General Paper I |
M Gagan and Sajit Kumar |
| NTA UGC NET/SET/JRF Paper I: Teaching and Research Aptitude by Pearson |
KVS Madaan |
| General Paper-1 UGC NET/JRF/SLET – Teaching & Research Aptitude |
Arihant Experts |
| Upkar’s UGC-NET/JRF/SET Teaching And Research Aptitude (General Paper - I) |
Dr Lal Jain and Dr KC Vashistha |
Latest Updates
Commonly asked questions
There are several books available in the market that consist of the UGC NET practice sets. Also, some standard guidebooks include model test papers for the practicing of the UGC NET exam. Online test series are also available for the candidates who are aspiring to prepare for the UGC NET exam.
The December session exam dates for UGC NET 2025 was released on the official website at ugcnet.nta.nic.in. The exam will be conducted from December 31, 2025 to January 7, 2026. The authority released the UGC NET notification on the official website at ugcnet.nta.nic.in.
UGC NET Subject Wise Preparation Tips 2025
The candidates who are preparing for the NTA UGC NET exam must go through the subject-wise tips. The tips can help the candidates to prepare for the exam
UGC NET Political Science Tips
- Focus on Political Theory and Comparative Political Analysis
- Read the International Relations and Indian Foreign Policies
- Practice the mock test and past years' question papers
UGC NET Economics Tips
- Focus on Macro and Micro
- Understand the economic theories and models
- Practice numerical and data interpretation questions
UGC NET English Preparation Tips
- Focus on Indian, American, European Literature, and English Language Teaching
- Analyse the works of contemporary writers
- Practice reading, writing, and comprehension
UGC NET Mock Tests & Last Years' Papers
Since UGC NET is an online exam, it is highly crucial for aspirants to practise as many mock tests as possible. In addition, it is also important to attempt as many previous years’ UGC NET question papers as possible. Practicing UGC NET mock tests 2025 and attempting past years’ papers help candidates in many ways such as.
- It gives the real look and feel of the exam
- It improves the time management skill of candidates
- Candidates are able to judge their weak areas for the exam
- Candidates get to know the important topics for the exam
Commonly asked questions
Yes, the UGC NET 2025 paper 1 exam will consist of questions related to communication skills. It is a part of a general aptitude test assessing the teaching and research aptitude, which also includes topics like reading comprehension, reasoning, and effective communication skills.
Yes. The UGC NET 2025 December session application form is available on the official website at ugcnet.nta.nic.in. It was released on October 7, 2025. Candidates can apply for the December session by visiting the official website. A direct link is also provided here. The last date to apply is November 7.
UGC NET Exam Analysis by Students
Every year after the UGC NET exam gets over; Shiksha reaches out to students to know the difficulty level and important questions asked in the exam. Candidates can check below the June 2025 session analysis based on the feedback of the students.
Candidates can go through previous years’ UGC NET exam analysis by students below to know about the questions asked in the exam.
UGC NET 2024 December Exam Analysis
Candidates can check below the December session exam analysis:
| UGC NET Paper 1 Analysis |
|---|
| UGC NET Paper 2 Analysis |
Commonly asked questions
No. Candidate must possess a Master's degree with a minimum of 55% grade score average from a UGC recognised university to apply for the NTA UGC NET exam. Also, if she or he is in the final year of their Master's programme or hold a four year bachelor's degree in specific subjects.
There is no upper age limit to apply for the Assistant Professor positions. But for the Junior Research Fellowship (JRF), the maximum age limit is 30 years as of June 1 of the exam year. There is also an ahe relaxation provided to the candidates from reserved categories including OBC, SC and ST
Tips to Crack UGC NET Exam 2025
The candidates can follow the UGC NET preparation tips given below to qualify for the exam in 2025 for the December Session. Following the tips can take out the best in the candidates and make them perform well in the NTA UGC NET Exam:
- Start Preparing for the exam from the university days
- Follow the syllabus of central universities to cover the maximum topics in the exam
- Make a timetable that ensures that the candidate can cover all the topics of the syllabus leaving time for revision and practice
- Practice the previous year's question papers, it will help the candidates to know the pattern of an exam and sections that get maximum weightage in the question paper
- Take the mock tests in the exam conditions to prepare for the exam day
- Practice for accuracy and speed. It will help the candidates with the time management
- Take frequent breaks while preparing for the exam. Relaxing the mind can take out the best in the exam
UGC NET Topper Tips
The candidates preparing for the exam can check the testimonies of the qualified candidates as no can tell you the best preparation strategy than a qualifier themselves:
| Subject: Law Qualified: UGC NET & JRF in June 2023 |
| Subject: Political Science Qualified: UGC NET June 2022 & December 2021 |
| Subject: English Qualified: UGC NET December 2020 |
| Subject: Mass Communication & Journalism Qualified UGC NET 2019 for Assistant Professor |
| Subject: Political Science Qualified UGC NET 2019 for JRF & Assistant Professor |
| Subject: Mass Communication & Journalism Qualified UGC NET 2019 for Assistant Professor |
| Subject: History Qualified UGC NET 2018 for JRF & Assistant Professor |
| Subject: Psychology Qualified UGC NET 2018 for Assistant Professor only |
| Subject: History Qualified UGC NET 2018 for Assistant Professor only |
| Subject: Geography Qualified UGC NET 2017 for JRF & Assistant Professor |
| Subject: Geography Qualified UGC NET 2017 for JRF & Assistant Professor |
| Subject: History Qualified UGC NET 2017 for Assistant Professor only |
| Subject: History Qualified UGC NET 2019 for Assistant Professor only |
| Subject: English Qualified UGC NET 2019 for Assistant Professor only |
| Subject: Geography Qualified UGC NET 2018 for JRF & Assistant Professor |
| Subject: History Qualified UGC NET 2018 for JRF & Assistant Professor |
| Subject: Forensic Science Qualified UGC NET 2018 for Assistant Professor only |
| Subject: Commerce Qualified UGC NET 2018 for Assistant Professor only |
| Subject: Commerce Qualified UGC NET 2017 for JRF & Assistant Professor |
| Subject: Geography Qualified UGC NET 2017 for JRF & Assistant Professor |
| Subject: Commerce Qualified UGC NET 2017 for Assistant Professor only |
Read More:
Commonly asked questions
Candidates can check the UGC NET syllabus at ugcnetonline.in. The UGC NET 2025 syllabus released along with the notification. The Paper 1 syllabus includes topics on teaching aptitude, research aptitude, development, environment, and more. Paper 2 is subject-specific. A thorough understanding of the UGC NET syllabus is important for all the candidates aiming to pass the exam. The UGC NET exam consists of two papers: Paper 1 and Paper 2. It is crucial to appear for both papers to qualify for the NET exam.
The authority is expected to revise the UGC NET syllabus as per the NEP 2020 and will be updated on the official website. The syllabus of UGC NET is divided into two sections: Paper 1 and Paper 2. The UGC NET Paper 1 syllabus is common for all the candidates who are going to take the UGC NET. However, the UGC NET Paper 2 syllabus varies for different subjects. Paper 2 carries subject-specific questions in which the candidates specialise.
UGC NET Preparation FAQs 2025
Candidates can check below the UGC NET Preparation FAQs 2025.
Commonly asked questions
The NTA will release the UGC NET 2025 December session admit card for all exam dates. Candidates will be able to download their UGC NET 2025 admit card by using their login credentials. The details mentioned on the UGC NET admit card are the name of the candidate, roll number, application number, exam date and time, exam centre address, etc.
Candidates can apply for the UGC NET 2025 December session through online mode. The application form in any other mode will not be accepted. Also, it is important for the candidates to read the instructions, including how to fill out the application form online, provided in the Information Bulletin that will be available on the NTA website. Candidates not complying with the instructions shall be disqualified.
UGC NET Exam
Student Forum
Anything you would want to ask experts?Answered 3 days ago
No. The authority has not released the UGC NET certificate for the December session 2025. The exam is scheduled to be conducted from December 31 to January 7, 2026.
I
Contributor-Level 6
Answered 3 days ago
The authority will release the UGC NET certificate on the official website at ugcnet.nta.nic.in and also on the e-certificate portal at ecertificate.nta.ac.in. Candidates can download it by using their login credentials including the application number and password or date of birth.
S
Contributor-Level 10
Answered 3 days ago
- Visit at ugcnet.nta.nic.in
- Click on the link available for the answer key
- Use application number and password or the application number and date of birth to open the link
- Enter the application number, password/date of birth, and security pin (as shown on the screen)
- Click on Sign In and submit the Chal
V
Contributor-Level 6
Answered 3 days ago
The UGC NET answer key challenge fee per question is INR 200. It is non refundable whether the challenge is accepted or rejected. It can be paid online via debit card, credit card, net banking or UPI. Challenges made by the candidates will be verified by the panel of subject experts.
G
Contributor-Level 6
Answered 3 days ago
It is released by the National Testing Agency NTA a few days after the exam is conducted. The answer key helps candidates in calculating their probable scores and checking the accuracy of their responsesThe details provided on the UGC NET answer key are mentioned below:
- Exam date
- Exam shift
- Exam subjec
N
Contributor-Level 6
Answered 2 weeks ago
Candiates can check below the steps to download the UGC NET question papers:
- Visit at ugcnet.nta.nic.in.
- Click on the answer key & question paper link.
- Login using the required details.
- Download the question paper PDF
V
Contributor-Level 6
Answered 2 weeks ago
To give mock test is important. It helps them to find out strengths and weaknesses. regular practice also improves speed, gain confidence, reduce the exam pressure, helps to understand the exam pattern, improves speed, etc.
G
Contributor-Level 6
Answered 2 weeks ago
Analysis is crucial for a candidate in the NTA NET exam. It helps to strategize the preparation, understand the paper structure, difficulty level, topics asked or high weightage areas, expected cutoff, etc.
K
Contributor-Level 6
Answered 2 weeks ago
No. Candidate must possess a Master's degree with a minimum of 55% grade score average from a UGC recognised university to apply for the NTA UGC NET exam. Also, if she or he is in the final year of their Master's programme or hold a four year bachelor's degree in specific subjects.
N
Contributor-Level 6
Answered 2 weeks ago
There is no upper age limit to apply for the Assistant Professor positions. But for the Junior Research Fellowship (JRF), the maximum age limit is 30 years as of June 1 of the exam year. There is also an ahe relaxation provided to the candidates from reserved categories including OBC, SC and ST
S
Contributor-Level 6
UGC NET Notifications
Upcoming Sarkari Exam Dates
CSIR NET 2025 Dec Application Correction window 30 Oct '25 - 1 Nov '25
Is the UGC NET certificate released for the December session 2025?